Explore Luxor in 2 Days: Temples, Tombs & Lunch Included

Luxor Tours

Explore Luxor in 2 Days: Temples, Tombs & Lunch Included

Luxor

5 Places

Country

Egypt

City

Luxor

Max People

Age

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Details

After pickup from your hotel or the bus or train station on day 1, drive in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the prodigious East Bank of Luxor with an Egyptologist tour guide.
Upon arrival, witness the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the vestiges of ancient temples, pylons, chapels and other historic buildings, as well as the Karnak Open Air Museum.

Next, continue to the magnificent Luxor Temple, an ancient sandstone temple complex built by great kings such as Amenhotep III, Alexander the Great, Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. After exploring the temple complex, take a delightful ride a felucca, traditional Egyptian sailing boat before savoring a lovely lunch at a local restaurant (upgrade lunch at Banana Island is available as an add-on). You’ll then be dropped off back at your hotel or selected location around 2 PM.
In the evening, rejoin your guide with hotel pickup at around 6 PM for the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple, if you select this optional tour.

Find out about the eventful history of ancient Thebes, the glory of Egyptian civilization, and the legacy of the pharaohs with the show’s narration. Enjoy a supernatural experience of poetic voices, haunting music, and light and sound effects before being dropped back to your hotel or selected location. Day 2 begins with pickup again, after which you’ll make your way to either the hot air balloon port or the West Bank of Luxor, depending on the tour option selected.

If you opt for the balloon ride, cross to the west bank of the River Nile to watch the sunrise. Listen to the pilot and ground crew’s safety briefing and instructions, then hop into the basket of the balloon.
As the balloon gently rises in the sky, relish the breathtaking view of Luxor and catch the glory of the morning sun. Next, head to the West Bank of Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, or go there directly if you don’t take the hot air balloon option.

Glance around the complex and see the tombs and resting places of remarkable Egyptian kings such as Merneptah, Ramesses III, and Ramesses VI. You can also visit the entrance to the famed Tutankhamun’s Tomb if you purchase the add-on. From here, move on to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to the fifth pharaoh and the only female ruler of Egypt who reigned for 20 peaceful years.

Finally, discover the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III at the Colossi of Memnon before breaking for lunch at a local restaurant.

Thereafter, you will be dropped back to your hotel or selected location.

Highlights

Marvel at the historical edifices in the splendid Karnak Temple Complex.
Admire the spell-binding architecture of Luxor Temple.
Experience the complete grandeur of Luxor with a comprehensive 2-day tour of the East and West Banks.
Maximize your time in Luxor and explore its most significant historical sites at a relaxed pace.
Explore the Valley of Kings and visit the tombs of celebrated Egyptian rulers.
Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues guarding the Theban necropolis.

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Explore Luxor in 2 Days: Temples, Tombs & Lunch Included - Itineraries

Day 1: East Bank Exploration

Day 1 begins on the East Bank of the Nile, where you’ll delve into the colossal Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built. Wander through its expansive halls, marvel at the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, and discover the sacred lake. Afterward, journey to the elegant Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by a grand avenue of sphinxes, and admire its well-preserved architecture, particularly stunning when illuminated in the afternoon sun. Your day will include a delicious local lunch, providing a taste of Egyptian cuisine.

Activities

Lunch Luxor Temple Karnak Temple Visit

Day 2: West Bank Necropolis

Day 2 takes you to the West Bank, a vast necropolis holding the secrets of pharaohs and nobles. Explore the famed Valley of the Kings, where you’ll descend into elaborately decorated tombs of ancient rulers. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, a unique terraced structure dedicated to Egypt’s powerful female pharaoh. Your West Bank tour will conclude with a visit to the imposing Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues guarding the entrance to a long-lost temple. A satisfying lunch will once again be provided during your exploration, ensuring you remain energized throughout your historical journey.

Activities

Valley of the Kings Colossi of Memnon Hatshepsut's Temple

Pricing

Explore Luxor in 2 Days: Temples, Tombs & Lunch Included - Included/Excluded

Pickup and drop-off at your selected location in Luxor.

Egyptologist tour guide for 2 days.

Mineral water for both days.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Felucca ride on the River Nile.

Entrance fees.

Drinks.

Tips (not mandatory).

Any extras not mentioned in the tour.

FAQs

What is the typical itinerary for a 2-day Luxor tour?

ay 1 (The East Bank): This day is typically focused on the "City of the Living." You will visit the immense Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling open-air museum and one of the world's largest religious sites. The tour continues to the elegant Luxor Temple, which is beautifully illuminated at night. Some tours may also include a visit to the Luxor Museum or a felucca ride on the Nile.
Day 2 (The West Bank): The second day is dedicated to the "City of the Dead." You will cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs. The standard ticket allows entry into three tombs, with separate tickets available for the most famous ones, such as King Tutankhamun's. You will also see the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking terraced mortuary temple, and the colossal statues of the Colossi of Memnon.

What is NOT included and what should I budget for?

Tipping (Baksheesh): Gratuities are a customary part of Egyptian culture. You should budget for tips for your guide, driver, and any restaurant staff. A general guideline is around $15-$20 USD per person, per day.
Optional Activities: Popular optional add-ons like a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, a visit to the Karnak Sound and Light Show, or entry into specific tombs (e.g., King Tutankhamun's tomb) are not included in the standard package price.
Drinks: Beverages with meals are typically not included.
Souvenirs and Personal Expenses.

What are some practical tips for my 2-day tour?

Dress Code: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended for visiting temples.
Sun Protection: Luxor can be extremely hot, especially during the middle of the day. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle.
Photography: Be aware that some ancient tombs and temples have restrictions on photography. You may need to purchase an additional ticket for your camera at the entrance of some sites.
Flexibility: While the itinerary is set, your private guide can often adapt to your pace. If you have specific interests or need to take a break, don't hesitate to communicate with your guide.